At its peak the Italian Army contributed 2.5 million troops to the Axis war effort during World War II (1939-1945). In addition to its major role in North Africa, Italy's army invaded, & later bore the main burden of occupying, the Balkan countries. Italy also sent 250,000 men to fight on the Russian Front. In this second book of a three-part study Philip Jowett covers the organisation, uniforms & insignia of the Italian troops committed to both the North African campaign, & the often neglected East African fighting of 1940-41, including the colourful colonial units. Stephen &rew's meticulous colour plates illustrate a wide range of uniforms.